Saskatoon Mayoral candidate Rob Norris is questioning the affordability of Charlie Clark’s Saskatoon low Emission Plan. Norris says, “There is absolutely no question about the science of climate change, the impact climate change is having on Canadian communities, nor the importance of taking action to address climate change,” but he says he has, “grave concerns about the affordability of the proposed $19 billion low emissions plan” Norris believes the plan will cost working families and seniors $3,000 at a minimum per year for the next 30 years. He calls it, “Charlie Clark’s carbon tax on Saskatoon families.”
Norris says former mayor Don Atchison shoulders some of the responsibility for the tax burden, as he signed the Covenant of Mayors agreement in 2015.
He says the agreement opened the door for, “Charlie Clark’s unaffordable carbon tax plan.”
Norris also has a number of questions regarding the proposed savings, revenues, and returns projected in the plan, including the plan for putting a price on carbon and proposed revenues from local power generation.
“While the report proposes revenues based on carbon pricing and carbon credits, it is silent on any details regarding actual costs of these schemes to working families and businesses,” Norris said.
Norris also questions the legality of the Low Emissions Community Plan, pointing to the plan’s suggested purchasing of renewable electricity and natural gas from third-party producers.
“I have to ask: is Charlie Clark attempting an end-run around provincial legislation in order to push through his climate plan? Or is he simply unaware of the regulatory authority of SaskPower? According to The Power Corporation Act, third-party power companies cannot operate in Saskatchewan without the blessing of SaskPower. Is Charlie Clark engaged in negotiating power purchase agreements with third-parties? What’s proposed goes well beyond Saskatoon’s authority. Did Charlie Clark get the blessing of SaskPower before charging ahead with this carbon tax plan?”
Norris says he supports a climate strategy for Saskatoon, but says it needs to be designed by Saskatchewan experts.
